Short trips (under a week)
Keep the dose at your home-time-zone hour. If you normally take it at 8am in Sydney and you are in London for four days, take it at what would be 8am Sydney time — even if that means 10pm London time. This is the simplest approach and avoids missed doses.
Longer trips (more than a week)
Gradually shift the dose to the new time zone over three to five days. Shift by two to three hours per day toward the destination time. For a large time-zone jump (e.g. Sydney to London — 9 to 10 hours), start shifting in the last day or two before travel where possible. Once at the destination, aim for a dose time that is convenient long-term.
Practical tips
Set a phone alarm at the target time. Use a weekly pill box so you can see what has been taken. Do not skip doses to make timing ‘work’ — take them at the closest reasonable time and adjust from there. Missing a dose entirely because you were confused is worse than taking it a few hours off schedule. For the broader logistics of packing, documentation, and borders, see our practical guide to travelling with antidepressants.
What to flag to your prescriber
Raise these at any review
- Missing multiple doses due to travel confusion.
- Discontinuation symptoms during travel.
- Return of depression or anxiety symptoms.
- Any confusion about the adjustment plan — ask your pharmacist or prescriber before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Should I skip a dose when I fly across time zones?
No. Take the dose at your home-time-zone hour if the trip is short, or shift gradually over several days if longer.
How quickly should I shift the dose to the new time zone?
Two to three hours per day over three to five days is a common approach for longer trips.
Will jet lag affect my antidepressant?
Jet lag itself does not affect the medication, but disrupted sleep can amplify early-treatment side effects and mood dips. Prioritise sleep hygiene during travel.
Evidence and sources referenced
- NICE Guideline NG222 — Depression in adults: treatment and management (United Kingdom).
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) — Clinical Practice Guidelines for Mood Disorders.
- NPS MedicineWise — prescriber and patient resources on antidepressant treatment (Australia).
- Royal College of Psychiatrists — patient information on antidepressants.
- TGA and FDA — product information for SSRI and SNRI medication classes.
- Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines in Psychiatry — prescribing patterns and side-effect timelines.
Related reading
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